U.S. patent application number 10/671194 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for system for producing on-line content from web sites on demand.
Invention is credited to Kassan, Peter.
Application Number | 20040236640 10/671194 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33313403 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040236640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kassan, Peter |
November 25, 2004 |
System for producing on-line content from web sites on demand
Abstract
A visitor of a web site can receive at least some of the
contents displayed in the web site in a printed form. More
particularly, an on-line service provider operating an information
processor provides software for proprietors of web sites who are
desirous to provide a printed form of the content in their web
sites. Once the web site that receives the software, a visitor can
request at least a portion of the web site to be reproduced in
printed form. The information received in the request is used to
reproduce the content in printed form.
Inventors: |
Kassan, Peter; (Dobbs Ferry,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
|
Family ID: |
33313403 |
Appl. No.: |
10/671194 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60460352 |
Apr 3, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.4 ;
705/26.62; 705/26.81; 705/27.1; 705/27.2; 707/E17.119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00241 20130101;
H04N 1/00204 20130101; H04N 1/00233 20130101; G06F 2216/17
20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101; H04N 2201/001 20130101; G06Q
30/0241 20130101; G06Q 30/0643 20130101; H04N 1/34 20130101; G06Q
30/0625 20130101; G06Q 30/0635 20130101; G06F 16/957 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/027 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for providing printed pages of web hosted information
in response to an electronic request received over a communication
network, the method comprising: providing add-in software operable
with a web site, the add-in software enabling a visitor of the web
site to submit a request for receiving a printed copy of web hosted
information that is displayable as web pages; receiving electronic
order information representing the request; processing the
electronic order information to provide electronic production
information representing instructions for fulfilling the request;
transmitting the electronic production information to a fulfillment
facility; and providing to the visitor the requested web hosted
information from the fulfillment facility in the form of printed
pages.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic order information
is prepared by the add-in software.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an estimate
for costs associated with providing the printed pages.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the estimate is partly based on a
requested style for the printed pages.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the style includes at least one
of binding, saddle-stitching, paper size, two-sided printing and
full-bleed printing.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the add-in software enables the
visitor to select a predefined layout and to modify the predefined
layout.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the printed pages are provided by
printing on oversized paper and trimming the oversized paper to
appear as produced by full-bleed printing.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of preparing the
electronic order information comprises selecting a style for the
printed pages, the style including at least one of page layout,
inside and outside of a front cover, inside and outside of a back
cover, double-sided printing, and single-sided printing.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of choosing the style
includes making a selection from a plurality of thumbnail images,
each of the plurality of thumbnail images representing a style.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the visitor provides a request a
modification to the style.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the request is provided by
email.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of choosing the style
includes at least one of generating a new style and modifying an
existing style.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the print pages are packaged
with at least one other item.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one other item
includes advertising material.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of processing the
electronic order information comprises providing at least one of
front information, back information and spine information.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the front information comprises
at least one of a table of contents, forward and advertising.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the back information comprises
at least one of an index, an appendix, a table and a glossary.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the add-in software further
enables a user to provide at least one of related personal and
professional information.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the add-in software further
provides customer web site information, the customer web site
information regarding at least one of the uniform resource locator
of the web site, the IP address of the web site and the name of the
proprietor of the web site.
20. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a
production web site, the production web site providing prospective
customers information regarding providing the printed pages.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the production web site further
provides restricted access to registered users.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the restricted access enables
registered users to receive electronic information regarding orders
for printed materials.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein the fulfillment facility
provides the printed pages such that they have been subject to at
least one of folding, binding and saddle stitching.
24. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of
transmitting an invoice for the printed pages and receiving
electronic payments for providing the printed pages.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the printed pages further
comprise ownership information.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the ownership information
includes copyright information and production information, the
production information including information regarding the
fulfillment facility.
27. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing a style in a
database corresponding to respective visitors, and selecting a
stored style for respective visitors in future production of
printed pages.
28. A remotely controlled method for the production of bound books
responsive to individual book orders, the method comprising:
providing access via an Internet connection to a plurality of
remote potential book buyers in the form of web pages that display
at least a portion of the contents of books for perusal and review;
operating a facility that enables the potential remote book buyer
to place an order or orders for one or more selected books;
processing orders for books whose contents are represented by web
pages; communicating the order, including selection and the ordered
book's content to a fulfillment facility; executing at the
fulfillment facility a series of steps that convert the
communications into a bound book; and delivering the book to the
book buyer.
29. A system for providing formatted print pages that comprise
content represented in a web site, the system comprising: add-in
software operable with the web site, the add-in software enabling a
visitor of the web site to submit an electronic request for the
formatted print pages; a request receiving module that receives the
electronic request over a communication network; a request
processing module that processes the contents of the electronic
request and provides electronic production information that
provides instructions for fulfilling the electronic request; a
transmitting module that transmits the electronic production
information to a fulfillment facility operable to provide the
formatted print pages corresponding with the electronic production
information; and a formatted print pages delivery module operable
to provide to the visitor the formatted print pages.
30. The system of claim 29, further comprising a production
information processor providing the add-in software, the production
information processor further providing a production web site, the
production web site comprising at least public content for
registered and non-registered visitors, and private content for
registered visitors.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the public content comprises
information regarding at least one of the add-in software, the
request receiving module, the request processing module, the
transmitting module and the formatted print pages delivery
module.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the private content comprises
at least one of content received from the web site and content not
received from the web site, wherein the content is to be included
in the formatted print pages.
33. The system of claim 30, further comprising a search module, the
search module providing a location of content related to content
provided in the web site.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein content located by the search
module is included in the formatted print pages.
35. The system of claim 30, further comprising at least one of a
laser printer, a bubble jet printer, an ink jet printer, a dye
emulsion printer, and a full-bleed printer.
36. The system of claim 30, wherein the electronic request includes
electronic content information representing the content for the
formatted print pages, and control information representing at
least a style of the formatted print pages.
37. The system of claim 36, wherein the control information further
comprises at least one of an identification of the web site, the
portion of the web site for the formatted print pages, and the
version of the formatted print pages.
38. The system of claim 36, wherein the control information further
comprises at least one of the name, mailing address, shipping
specifications and e-mail address of the party submitting the
electronic request.
39. The system of claim 36, wherein the style of the formatted
print pages includes at least one of the front matter, the back
matter, and components that are repeated in the formatted print
pages.
40. The system of claim 29, wherein the communication network is
the Internet.
41. The system of claim 29, further comprising a formatted print
pages style module that provides a selection of at least one
formatted print pages style template.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein the at least one formatted
print pages style template is used to produce formatted print pages
that comply with a formatted print pages style.
43. The system of claim 41, wherein the formatted print pages style
module provides tools for manipulating a selected formatted print
pages style template.
44. The system of claim 29, further comprising a simulation module
that provides an electronic simulated representation of the
formatted print pages.
45. The system of claim 44, further comprising an approval module
that prompts the viewer for approval after the simulation module
provides the electronic simulated representation of the formatted
print pages.
46. The system of claim 44, wherein the electronic simulation is at
least a partial representation of the formatted print pages.
47. The system of claim 44, wherein the electronic request
comprises the electronic simulated representation.
48. The system of claim 29, further comprising a subscription
module that prompts the visitor to enter into a subscription
agreement for receiving future formatted print pages.
49. The system of claim 46, wherein a single payment for a
plurality of orders for formatted print pages is provided by the
visitor.
50. The system of claim 29, further comprising an e-commerce module
performs at least one of generating a cost for receiving formatted
print pages and accepting payment for formatted print pages.
51. The system of claim 29, wherein the formatted print pages
include at least one of a company annual report, a wall calendar, a
desk calendar and a poster.
52. The system of claim 29, wherein the content comprises an
article in a previously printed magazine.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention is based on and claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/460,352, filed on
Apr. 3, 2003 and entitled "SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING MAGAZINES FROM WEB
SITES ON DEMAND," the entire contents of which are incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to Internet web site
content distribution, and, more particularly, to reproducing
Internet web site content on printed media.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many sites on the World Wide Web of the Internet
(hereinafter, "web sites") are magazine-like in format, or present
a number of magazine-like sections. In many cases, the site, or
specific magazine-like section often comprising columns and/or rows
of simulated or virtual "pages" and including photographs or pieces
of art, are meant to be viewed as a whole. With respect to
photography, small "thumbnail" images are typically provided that,
when selected via a click of a mouse or other pointing device,
cause larger, more viewable images to be displayed. In other cases,
web sites are not magazine-like at all, and consist entirely of
text.
[0004] It is well-established that people prefer to read documents
on physical paper rather than on a computer display (see, for
example, The Myth of the Paperless Office, by Abigail J. Sellen and
Richard H. R. Harper [MIT Press, 2001]). It is also
well-established that people like to view, collect and own art,
graphics, and photography on paper or similar medium, such as books
and magazines. Printing web site "pages" that comprise art,
graphics, and photography, for example, on a user's home printer,
usually yields unsatisfactory results despite a similarity between
"pages" on Internet web sites and physical pages in a book or
magazine. Even text-based web sites that are printed on a home
printer are, typically, unsatisfactory as people prefer printed
text in, for example, a bound volume.
[0005] A typical cause for such unsatisfactory results is that web
pages are usually not formatted to be reproduced on standard-sized
printer pages. For example, printed web sites frequently run onto
subsequent, partially filled pages. Other problems include partial
or incomplete printing, and printing of undesired content, for
example, programming code or coded representations of objects.
Internet web sites rarely, if ever, resize oversized images for
home printing, so that the images typically print on successive
pages or are truncated. Although a skilled user can often find a
way to format a printed web page properly (such as by printing only
a selected "frame", printing only selected material, or sizing an
image to fit the paper), most users do not know how to do so, or
find it too much trouble to do so, particularly for large numbers
of pages.
[0006] Moreover, navigation links and other material that is often
included at the bottom of each web page are typically repeated at
the end of each section when it is physically printed. Also, many
printing devices do not accommodate double-sided printing. Although
some printing devices have double-sided capability, users often
forget or don't know how to set their printing device to do so.
Some printing devices, for example many kinds of laser printers,
also do not print in color, although the majority of web sites use
color. Further, optimal results for art, graphics, and photography
web pages are only achieved by using special, expensive paper.
Moreover, photo-quality paper is rarely distributed with a
double-sided capacity.
[0007] Even if a user has the appropriate printing device, paper,
and skills to format and print web pages such that they are well
laid-out on both sides of a set of pages of appropriate quality,
the print jobs are typically output on unbound single sheets of
paper and are also, therefore, unsatisfactory.
[0008] Also, some web sites provide portions that are available in
the PORTABLE DOCUMENT FORMAT ("PDF"), as developed by ADOBE
SYSTEMS. The PDF versions can be printed on a user's home computer
printer. However, these printed documents suffer from all of the
limitations described above with respect to loose sheets of paper
that are, typically, not designed for high-quality images.
Moreover, PDF documents offered by various web sites usually
provide content in conjunction with a web site, rather than
providing content that is displayed in the web site. For example,
technical manuals and journals, white papers and sales brochures
comprise typical PDF documents that are available on Internet web
sites. One skilled in the art will recognize that it is possible to
produce a PDF document comprising content in a web site. However,
printing such a PDF results in many if not all of the same problems
identified above.
[0009] In summary, therefore, a "web page" that is printed, for
example, by using native web browser functionality, is not a
"formatted print page." A collection or a series of typical web
pages do not naturally or logically easily translate to a correct
sequence of printed pages as they appear in a typical publication,
such as in a book or a magazine. As used herein, "formatted print
pages" refer, generally, to pages that comprise text, graphics
and/or images that are printed on a particular paper size, in a
particular format and layout, using specific colors or print
technology with sequential print pages that can be placed on the
same side of sequential printed pages or in a double-sided
arrangement. Typically, the resolution of formatted print pages is
70 times higher than that displayed in typical web pages. As used
herein, the term "formatted print pages" refers, generally, to
printed content, at least some of which is identified in an
Internet web site and is printed including characteristics, as
described herein. Formatted print pages have a much more
attractive, professional form and appearance over prior art forms,
substantially as described above. Furthermore, a typical web page
can be designed in practically unlimited width and length. Typical
web browser software provides horizontal and vertical scroll bars
automatically while displaying a web site that extend horizontally
and/or vertically beyond the viewable region of a display screen.
These, and other known variables affecting the layout of a web
page, contribute to fundamental differences between a web page and
a formatted print page.
[0010] Also as used herein, formatted print pages refer to printed
pages that meet at least some criteria set forth above, such that
the web site content can be utilized by a printing company or other
production entity to create print media, including web site content
that is combinable or that can be bound into a book, a magazine or
the like.
[0011] A drawback of the prior art ensues from the fact that users
cannot obtain printed web pages that are bound in a book-like or
magazine-like fashion. Web sites may purport to provide a user with
a printable version of web pages (so-called "printer friendly"
versions), but do so without any specific knowledge of the printing
equipment on which such pages are to be printed, resulting in all
of the foregoing drawbacks of the prior art. In other words, a web
host provides web pages without any ability and without including
any special software that assures that the user will obtain a
pre-defined page layout and sequencing that will be standardized to
the particular web pages being displayed.
[0012] Many kinds of systems exist for binding sheets of paper,
such as hard or soft-cover loose-leaf binders and plastic binding
strips that are slid along the left margin of a set of pages,
staples and the like. However, these systems are never as
satisfactory as saddle-stitched or perfect bound books or magazines
for several reasons. For example, the holes necessary to place
pages into loose-leaf binders may overlay text or an image of the
page. Also, loose-leaf binders are often bulky and do not file well
on bookshelves since they are usually not rectangular, but
triangular solids. Furthermore, binding strips often obscure parts
of the text or image area of the pages and make the resulting
collection of papers impossible to lay flat on a horizontal
surface, such as a desk.
[0013] Stapling materials also results in similar defects as
described above with respect to binding strips. Stapling usually
works well only with a relatively small number of pages, unless a
heavy-duty stapler (not usually an item of home use) is used.
Stapling also often damages pages, which are then prone to
tearing.
[0014] Referring to the drawings in which like reference
designators refer to like elements, FIG. 1 shows a prior art
hardware arrangement for viewing, reviewing and outputting internet
web site content. As shown in FIG. 1, an information processor with
web server 2 provides electronic content to a user terminal 4 that
communicates with the information processor 2 via communication
network 16. The user terminal preferably employs software that
enables a communication session to be established between the user
terminal 4 and the information processor with web server 2.
Preferably, the information processor 2 employs software enabling a
communication session, for example an HTTP session, to be
established between the user terminal 4 and the web server 2.
Information processor 2 typically provides content over the
Internet which can be received by user terminal 4. Content
includes, for example, text, graphics, pictorial, audio and video
material.
[0015] Also as shown in FIG. 1, an output printer 7 is preferably
controlled by user terminal 4 to provide printed output of content.
For example, after a person views content on user terminal 4 using
typical web browser software, the person selects an option to print
the content on printer 7. The printed version, unfortunately, is
typically unsatisfactory for the reasons set forth above.
[0016] There is a need in the industry to provide printed versions
of web site content, as a whole or in part, as formatted print
pages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention solves many of the above-described
problems by enabling web sites operators who wish to offer
magazine-like printed versions of all or some of their web site
contents to do so in a way that is economical for both them and
their viewers.
[0018] The present invention is directed to a method for providing
printed pages of web hosted information in response to an
electronic request received over a communication network. The
method includes providing add-in software that operates within a
web site and enables a visitor of the web site to submit a request
for receiving a printed copy of web hosted information that is
displayable as web pages. The method further includes receiving
electronic order information representing the request and
processing the electronic order information to provide electronic
production information representing instructions for fulfilling the
request. The method further includes transmitting the electronic
production information to a fulfillment facility and providing to
the visitor the requested web hosted information from the
fulfillment facility in the form of printed pages.
[0019] The present invention is further directed to a system for
providing formatted print pages that comprise content represented
in a web site. The system comprises add-in software operable with
the web site that enables a visitor of the web site to submit an
electronic request for the formatted print pages. The system
includes a request receiving module that receives the electronic
request over a communication network, and a request processing
module that processes the contents of the electronic request and
provides electronic production information that provides
instructions for fulfilling the electronic request. The system also
includes a transmitting module that transmits the electronic
production information to a fulfillment facility operable to
provide the formatted print pages corresponding with the electronic
production information, and a formatted print pages delivery module
operable to provide to the visitor the formatted print pages.
[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description of the invention
which refers to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] For the purposes of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred, it being
understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The features and
advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
following description of the invention that refers to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a prior art hardware arrangement for viewing,
reviewing and outputting internet web site content;
[0023] FIG. 2 shows an example hardware arrangement of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional
elements in an example information processor;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a block diagram that demonstrates interactions
between parties and modules associated with the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a flow chart that identifies functionality
including the interaction between the devices in accordance with
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a flow chart that identifies steps associated with
receiving a single transaction in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0028] FIG. 7 is a flow chart that identifies steps associated with
fulfilling a request for formatted print pages in accordance with
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention enables a visitor of a web site to
receive at least some content displayed in the web site as
formatted print page(s). As used herein, the terms "visitor" and/or
"visitor terminal" refer, generally, to a person and/or device
operated by a person that establishes a communication session over
a network with another device. More particularly, an on-line
service provider, operating an information processor and referred
to herein, generally, as a "production information processor,"
preferably provides software for proprietors of web sites who are
desirous to provide formatted print pages of content displayed in
their web sites, or content related thereto.
[0030] Once a web site, referred to herein as a "customer web
site," receives the above-identified software and incorporates the
software appropriately into the customer web site, a visitor to the
customer web site can request at least a portion of the web site to
be reproduced as one or more formatted print page(s). The term,
"customer" is used because, preferably, proprietors of web sites
using the software provided by the production information processor
are customers of the proprietors thereof. The production
information processor preferably uses information received in a
request to provide formatted print pages. The production
information processor contributes to the production of the
formatted print pages in accordance with predetermined styles and
layouts.
[0031] The software provided by the production information
processor (hereinafter, the "add-in software") is used in
connection with one or more software programs that generate a
customer web site. The add-in software preferably allows visitors
to the customer web site to order formatted print pages comprising
the content provided in or related to the customer web site. The
add-in software functions to transmit information about an order
for formatted print pages to one or more production information
processor 12.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, including a hardware arrangement for providing
formatted print pages comprising web site content, and referred to
generally as system 10. System 10 comprises at least one production
information processor 12 and at least one customer information
processor 14, each of which are adapted to access communication
network 16. The production information processor 12 and the
customer information processor 14 each preferably provide
respective Internet web sites (13 and 15, respectively) that
includes content for respective visitors.
[0033] Also as shown in FIG. 2, a fulfillment facility terminal 22
communicates with at least the production information processor 12
and receives instructions with respect to a request for formatted
print pages. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 identifies the
fulfillment facility terminal 22 separate from the production
information processor 12, the fulfillment facility terminal 22 can
be under the direct control of the proprietor of the production
information processor 12.
[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 2, fulfillment facility
terminal 22 preferably includes a formatted print page output
printer 24. In addition to the formatted print page output printer
24, one or more other devices are preferably provided and used in
accordance with the present invention. For example, a fulfillment
facility terminal 22 employs a binding machine 28 to combine
individual sheets. Further, a saddle stitch machine 30 may be
included to provide a professional appearance for the printed
output. Further, a folding machine 26 may be employed by the
fulfillment facility terminal 22 in order to prepare signatures,
i.e., sets of one or more sheets for binding. As shown in FIG. 2,
the output related devices, including, the folding machine 26,
binding machine 28, and saddle stitch machine 30 are presented as
separate and apart from the formatted print page output printer 24.
Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that two or more
of these devices may be integrated into a single device. For
example, the formatted print page output printer 24 may have a
series of attachments that comprise a folding machine and a binding
machine. The folding machine and binding machine can operate to
produce one or more signatures.
[0035] Production information processor 12 preferably includes all
databases necessary to support the present invention. However, it
is contemplated that production information processor 12 can access
any required database via communication network 16 or any other
communication network to which production information processor 12
may be coupled. Communication network 16 is preferably a global
public communication network such as the Internet, but can also be
a wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), or other
network that enables two or more computers to communicate with each
other.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, production information
processor 12 and customer information processor 14 are any devices
that are capable of sending and receiving data across communication
network 16, e.g., mainframe computers, mini computers, personal
computers, laptop computers, a personal digital assistants (PDA)
and Internet access devices such as Web TV. In addition, production
information processors 12 and customer information processors 14
are preferably equipped with a web browser, such as MICROSOFT
INTERNET EXPLORER, NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR and the like. Production
information processors 12 and customer information processors 14
are coupled to communication network 16 using any known data
communication networking technology.
[0037] Alternatively, the add-in software includes features that
enable a visitor terminal 20 to compose and edit electronic
representations (i.e., previews) of formatted print pages. For
example, a visitor terminal 20 can select from predefined styles
and layouts, and thereafter modify the electronic representation,
for example, by resizing images, modifying column widths, and
changing text fonts and point sizes. After the visitor terminal 20
finishes modifying the electronic representation, the
representation is transmitted to the production information
processor 12 and/or the fulfillment facility terminal 22 for
production of formatted print pages.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the functional elements of each
production information processor 12 are shown, and include one or
more central processing units (CPU) 32 used to execute software
code and control the operation of production information processor
12, read-only memory (ROM) 34, random access memory (RAM) 36, one
or more network interfaces 38 to transmit and receive data to and
from other computing devices across a communication network,
storage devices 40 such as a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive,
tape drive, CD ROM or DVD for storing program code databases and
application data, one or more input devices 42 such as a keyboard,
mouse, track ball, microphone and the like, and a display 44.
[0039] The various components of production information processor
12 need not be physically contained within the same chassis or even
located in a single location. For example, storage device 40 may be
located at a site which is remote from the remaining elements of
production information processor 12, and may even be connected to
CPU 32 across communication network 16 via network interface 38.
Production information processor 12 preferably includes a memory
equipped with sufficient storage to provide the necessary
databases, forums, and other community services as well as acting
as a web server for communicating hypertext markup language (HTML),
Java applets, Active-X control programs or the like to customer
information processors 14. Production information processors 12 are
arranged with components, for example, those shown in FIG. 3,
suitable for the expected operating environment of production
information processor 12. The CPU(S) 32, network interface(s) 38
and memory and storage devices are selected to ensure that
capacities are arranged to accommodate expected demand.
[0040] As used herein, the terms "link" and "hyperlink" refer to a
selectable connection from one or more words, pictures or other
information objects to others in which the selectable connection is
presented within the web browser. The information object can
include sound and/or motion video. Selection is typically made by
"clicking" on the link using an input device such as a mouse, track
ball, touch screen and the like. Of course, one of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that any method by which an object
presented on the screen can be selected is sufficient.
[0041] The functional elements of production information processor
12 shown in FIG. 3 are of the same categories of functional
elements present in customer information processors 14. However,
not all elements need be present in the customer information
processor 14. For example, storage devices, in the case of PDA's,
and the capacities of the various elements are arranged to
accommodate the expected user demand. For example, CPU 32 in
customer information processor 14 may be a smaller capacity CPU
than the CPU present in the production information processor 12.
Similarly, it is likely that the production information processor
12 will include storage devices of a much higher capacity than
storage devices present in customer information processor 14. Of
course, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the
capabilities of the functional elements can be adjusted as
needed.
[0042] The nature of the invention is such that one skilled in the
art of writing computer executable code (i.e., software) can
implement the functions described herein using one or more of a
combination of popular computer programming languages and
developing environments including, but not limited to, C, C++,
Visual Basic, JAVA, HTML, XML, ACTIVE SERVER PAGES, JAVA server
pages, servlets, and a plurality web site development
applications.
[0043] Although the present invention is described by way of
example herein and in terms of a web-based system using web
browsers and a web site server (e.g., production information
processor 12), system 10 is not limited to such a configuration. It
is contemplated that system 10 is arranged such that customer
information processor 14 communicates with and displays data
received from production information processor 12 using any known
communication and display method, for example, using a non-Internet
browser WINDOWS viewer coupled with a local area network protocol
such as the Internet Packet Exchange (IPX), dial-up, third-party,
private network or a value added network (VAN).
[0044] It is further contemplated that any suitable operating
system can be used on production information processor 12 and
customer information processor 14, for example, DOS, WINDOWS 3.x,
WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS 98, WINDOWS NT, WINDOWS 2000, WINDOWS ME,
WINDOWS CE, WINDOWS POCKET PC, WINDOWS XP, MAC OS, UNIX, LINUX,
PALM OS, POCKET PC and any other suitable operating system.
[0045] As used herein, references to displaying data on production
information processor 12 and customer information processor 14
regard the process of communicating data across communication
network 16 and processing the data such that the data is viewed on
a display 44, for example by using a web browser and the like. As
is common with web browsing software, the display 44 on customer
information processor 14 presents sites within the system 10 such
that a user can proceed from site to site within the system by
selecting a desired link.
[0046] Therefore, each user's experience with system 10 is based on
the order with which he/she progresses through the display screens.
Graphic controls are preferably available in the display screens
and modules to initiate data processes, and to provide convenient
navigation between the display screens and modules of system 10. In
other words, because the system is not completely hierarchical in
its arrangement of display screens, users can proceed from area to
area without the need to "backtrack" through a series of display
screens. For that reason, and unless explicitly stated otherwise,
the following discussion is not intended to represent any
sequential operation steps, but rather to illustrate the components
of system 10.
[0047] As used herein, the term "proprietor" refers, generally, to
an owner/operator of a device, such as an information processor 12
or user terminal 14. A proprietor does not have to be in physical
proximity with the device in order to exercise control over it.
Also as used herein, a proprietor refers to a party who exercises
control over the content and features provided on a web site and/or
information processor.
[0048] As noted above, production information processor 12
preferably provides a production web site 13 to which visitors can
connect. Production web site 13 is available to anyone who is able
to establish a communication session with the production
information processor 12. Once the session is established, the
visitor can view content regarding services provided by the
production information processor 12. Such content is considered
herein, generally, as "public" content because access thereto is
unrestricted. Production web site 13 preferably also includes
content which is restricted to authorized personnel, for example,
registered customers who have contracted for the services provided
by the proprietor of the production web site 13. Such content is
referred to herein, generally, as "private" content.
[0049] Customer information processor 14 preferably comprises
customer web site 15 that includes content for visitors of customer
information processor 14. As noted above, with respect to the
production web site 13, the customer web site 15 also preferably
includes public content that is available to terminals capable of
establishing a communication session with the customer information
processor 14.
[0050] Any user terminal that establishes a communication session
with the production web site 13 can preferably view the public
content provided therein. For example, a proprietor of a web site
that provides Internet content regarding emerging software
technologies desires to offer its visitor terminals 20 the content
in formatted print pages. Accordingly, the proprietor (or
authorized agent thereof) browses the production web site 13 and
determines that functionality provided in accordance with the
present invention is desired. Accordingly, the proprietor of the
web site contacts the proprietor of the production information
processor 12 in order to request tools for providing formatted
print pages in accordance with the present invention. The
proprietor of the web site preferably registers with the proprietor
of the production web site 13 to become a customer and proprietor
of a customer web site 15 in order to receive software and/or
hardware tools used for providing the functionality described
herein.
[0051] In one embodiment, after a person operating visitor terminal
20 views content provided in the customer web site 15, the person
registers with the customer information processor 14 in order to
receive formatted print pages of the content. During the
registration process, for example, the person operating visitor
terminal 20 preferably provides information requested by the
customer information processor 14, such as name, electronic mail
address, and other desired information. Preferably, once the
visitor terminal 20 is provided authorization by the customer
information processor 14 (i.e., the visitor terminal 20 is
registered) then the visitor terminal 20 can submit a request for
formatted print pages comprising the same or related content.
[0052] Preferably, the proprietor of customer web site 15 and
wishing to provide formatted print pages to its viewers installs
the tools provided by the production information processor 12 to
the customer web site 15. The tools, preferably bundled in add-in
software to the customer web site 15, allow viewers to
electronically order formatted print pages of one or more selected
portions of the web site, or related content not necessarily
provided on the customer web site 15.
[0053] The customer web site 15 may make use of its own
order-taking facilities, or may make use of order-taking facilities
provided by the add-in software. The customer web site 15 software,
with or without the add-in software, may include e-commerce
provisions, such as for taking credit card or debit card
information, issuing a bill, or other processing for receiving
payment for selected items.
[0054] An order for formatted print pages is preferably transmitted
electronically, via the Internet or other network, to production
information processor 12. The proprietor of customer information
processor 14 preferably makes available to the production
information processor 12 the appropriate content of customer web
site 15 by a variety of methods, including a link to access the
content, for example, by file transfer protocol ("FTP") or e-mail.
Preferably, the content provided by the proprietor of customer web
site 15 to the production information processor 12 has a much
higher resolution than that displayed on the customer's web site
15. Graphic content that is displayed on customer web site 15 is
formatted in order to accommodate varying speeds of the network
connections for the plurality of parties. Therefore, the resolution
of the content is lower than that included in formatted print
pages. Content distributed to a fulfillment facility terminal 22
and eventually used for formatted print pages is typically of a
much higher resolution, in part because the connection speed is not
an issue.
[0055] Moreover, the proprietor of customer web site 15 can provide
content as links thereto that is related, but not necessarily
displayed on the customer's web site 15. For example, a customer
web site 15 providing images of various species of birds may
receive orders for a plurality of images of a single species of
birds that are not available on the web site 15. Alternatively, a
proprietor of customer information processor 14 transmits to
production information processor 12 content not displayed in web
site 15 for formatted print pages. Continuing with the previous
example, related images of the species of bird are provided by the
proprietor of the customer information processor 14 to the
production information processor 12. Preferably, such content is
provided that is more suitable for printing, for example, with
copyright masks and other markings removed therefrom.
[0056] In one embodiment, the proprietor of the production
information processor 12 receives content from each customer
information processor 14 for formatted print pages, in accordance
with the present invention.
[0057] The production information processor 12 preferably receives
requests for formatted print pages of web site content. Preferably
the content is imported into layout manipulation software (such as
INDESIGN) and is arranged on individual pages (including the front
and back cover, and the spine, if any). The proprietor of the
production information processor 12 may select images to fit a
magazine format of a predetermined number of pages, and may resize
certain images to increase (or decrease) the number of images that
may fit on a single page.
[0058] The proprietor may also add pages of additional information,
or may add information to existing pages, such as advertising,
information about the company operating the production facility
terminal 22, and appropriate copyright information.
[0059] The proprietor of the production information processor 12
may also add front matter, such as a title page, table of contents,
forward and the like, and back matter, such as one or more indexes.
The proprietor may also apply a style, for example, repetitive
elements such as titles, dates, and page numbers. The style may be
manipulated and adjusted, for example, by changing the typeface,
point size, arrangement, and the like. The software used by the
proprietor of the information processor 12 may also provide for
adding all or some information automatically, as directed by
control information included in a request for formatted print
pages, stored in the computer at the production facility, or both.
The proprietor may also add information or pages to the inside or
outside front or back cover to be printed. Further, the mailing or
shipping information may also be included on the front or back
outside cover.
[0060] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram that illustrates the
relationship associated with the parties and modules to the present
invention. Preferably, the production information processor 12
provides add-in software 46 to the customer web site 15 in order to
contribute to the processes described herein. The add-in software
46 is preferably distributed from the production information
processor 12 in order to enable a customer web site 15 to provide
formatted print pages in accordance with the present invention. For
example, the add-in software 46 comprises commands and controls
that are embedded and/or displayed in a customer web site 15, and
provide for manipulating content to comply with formatting
specifications, such as page layout specifications and binding
preferences. Other functions provided by add-in software 46 include
an interface for a visitor terminal 20 to submit information about
the visitor. For example, the add-in software 46 provides a data
entry form that is preferably used by the visitor terminal 20 to
provide information, for example, order, payment and shipping
information. Further, the add-in software 46 provides an interface
for the visitor terminal 20 to identify the specific content
related to the customer web site 15 that the visitor terminal 20
wants to be provided in formatted print pages. Information
regarding an order (e.g., selected content, layout information,
copyright and ownership information, payment and shipping
information) is referred to herein as control information, and is
used by the production information processor 12 and/or fulfilment
facility 22 to provide formatted print pages of web site content,
substantially as described herein.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, a visitor terminal 20 communicates with
the customer information processor 14 in order to view content
provided thereon. The visitor terminal 20 identifies content that
the visitor terminal 20 wants to receive in formatted print pages.
A request 48 for the formatted print pages, including a
representation of the content, for example, a file name or other
identifier, is preferably transmitted to the production information
processor 12. The production information processor 12 uses the
representation of the content to transmit the content along with
control information to a fulfillment center terminal 22. The
fulfillment center terminal 22 preferably processes and outputs
formatted print pages comprising content, in accordance with the
visitor's 20 preferences.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment, a request for formatted print
pages is transmitted by a visitor terminal 20, and received by the
production information processor 12. Once received, the production
information processor 12 preferably performs operations on the
transmitted request, for example, to confirm that the information
contained therein is correct. After the production information
processor 12 concludes that the information in the request 48 is
accurate, then the information in the request 48 is preferably
forwarded to a fulfillment center terminal 22. The fulfillment
center terminal 22 preferably uses the one or more hardware
devices, described above and shown in FIG. 2, in order to provide
the formatted print pages to the requesting visitor terminal
20.
[0063] Preferably, software is used at the production web site 15
that provides for communication between the production information
processor 12, and the operators of its customer web sites 15. As
noted above, public content of the production web site 13 is
accessible to anyone, while access to private content is restricted
to those having sufficient authorization, for example, a user name
and password.
[0064] Preferably, the present invention also provides previous
versions and/or editions of formatted print pages. For example, a
visitor 20 can submit a request for formatted print pages
previously provided in accordance with the present invention.
Editions may differ according to paper quality, the paper quality
of the cover (if different from the rest of the formatted print
pages), the means of binding, and other distinguishing factors.
Each edition is preferably associated with appropriate control and
identifying information so that different editions can be
conveniently ordered and regenerated. All such information may be
made available for viewing on the production web site 13 and can be
transmitted back to the customer web site 15 for its own use for
transmitting future orders.
[0065] Control information, preferably transmitted in a request 48
for formatted print pages, can comprise several kinds of
information. For example, control information includes an
identification of the customer web site 15 that is originating the
order, the portion or portions of the customer web site 15 is being
ordered, and information regarding the visitor terminal 20 placing
the order. Optionally, control information also includes the
version or edition of the formatted print pages. Preferably, the
name, mailing or shipping address, and mailing or shipping
specifications and the email or other electronic address of the
person placing the order is included in the control information.
Other information may be provided, as necessary and appropriate,
including information about the fulfillment facility terminal 20
providing printing services for all or selected formatted print
pages printed by the entity and the like.
[0066] Preferably, an email or other electronic acknowledgment
indicating receipt of an order for formatted print pages is
transmitted from the production information processor 12 to a
contact designated by the owner, proprietor, or operator of the
customer web site 15. Furthermore, an email or other electronic
acknowledgment is transmitted to the person placing the order, for
example, upon a receipt and when the formatted print pages are
prepared.
[0067] Moreover, software is preferably provided that calculates a
suggested retail price or other price to the proprietor of customer
web site 15 and/or visitor 20 for various editions of the formatted
print pages. In accordance with the present invention, a calculated
price is preferably provided to the proprietor of customer web site
15, for approval and optional incorporation into the customer web
site 15.
[0068] Software is further preferably provided that substantially
automatically (i.e., with or without operator intervention) resizes
images to fit an intended page size, with or without provision for
margins, as appropriate or desired. Software is also preferably
provided that displays a set of thumbnail images in reduced size so
that an operator or user can conveniently make a selection of
images to be included in formatted print pages. The present
invention provides for convenient selection of images based on
classification and search criteria. For example, a graphic user
interface is provided for identifying portions of a customer web
site 15 for formatted print pages.
[0069] Optionally, software is provided to accept metatag,
filename, and operator-input text, as well as other information
regarding the content, the respective photographer(s) or artist(s),
model(s) and date(s). Other information is preferably used to
permit classification, searching, and selection based on criteria
such as photographer, artist, model, subject matter, theme, and the
like. Software is further preferably provided to edit, add, delete,
and otherwise manipulate such information.
[0070] Software is optionally provided, for example, on the
production information processor 12 that provides the ability to
easily place several images that are automatically resized (as
necessary) into a grid or arrangement on a single page. In this
way, if the number of images to be printed will exceed the maximum
number for a predetermined page size, the images can be resized
and, therefore, fit on the page.
[0071] Software may also be provided that allows a proprietor of
production information processor 12 to create and/or identify front
matter (such as a title page or a Table of Contents) and back
matter (such as indexes of various kinds). Optionally, software is
provided that allows the proprietor of production information
processor 12 to apply at least one of a set of styles to the
formatted print pages, including repetitive components, such as
titles, dates, page numbers, etc.
[0072] Further, the present invention preferably allows a
proprietor of production information processor 12 to choose and
manipulate a style chosen for particular formatted print pages.
Additionally, software is provided that allows the operator of a
production information processor 12 to add a newly created or
modified style to a set of styles that are available for production
of formatted print pages.
[0073] Moreover, the proprietor of the production information
processor 12 preferably stores specifications for formatted print
pages that are automatically reapplied for future issues of the
same or similar formatted print pages.
[0074] Optionally, software is provided that electronically
simulates a layout of the formatted print pages. The simulation is
provided on the production web site 13 and/or the customer web site
15 for viewing, review, and approval. Alternatively, the system 10
includes software that allows the production information processor
12 to send simulated formatted print pages to a designated contact
at the customer web site 15. Such software can be email that
supports electronic attachments, such as MICROSOFT OUTLOOK.
[0075] Preferably, software allows the visitor terminal 20 and/or
proprietor of the customer web site 15 to indicate approval of, or
to request changes to, a proposed layout of formatted print pages.
Such software is preferably incorporated into the production web
site 13 or, alternatively, may be email-based.
[0076] Software is also preferably provided that allows a visitor
terminal 20 or proprietor of customer web site 15 to layout
individual pages in a preferred order so that when a series of
multi-page sheets of paper are printed, the pages are arranged
properly. After printing and binding, the pages are in the correct
serial order (known in the art as "imposition").
[0077] One or more computer-linked printing machines are preferably
provided that use laser, inkjet, bubble jet, dye emulsion or
similar relatively low-cost, low-volume technology (referred to,
generally herein as "computer printers"). Computer printers are
preferably capable of printing pages roughly twice the size of the
desired finished product (that is, for example 11.times.17" to
produce 81/2".times.11" or A3 to produce A4).
[0078] Optionally, one or more print devices are included that are
adapted to print an edge of a finished page, so that "full-bleed"
printing can be achieved without trimming. Further, one or more
printing devices are provided that are not adapted to print to the
edge of a finished page, yet can print pages more than one or two
times the finished size, so that "full-bleed" printing can be
achieved by trimming the printed page to the desired size. Also,
one or more computer printers supplied with pages of different
paper quality, size, and thickness are provided that print
different editions and/or different sections of the formatted print
pages, such as a front cover. One or more computer printers capable
of printing in only a single color of ink, such as black, can also
be included. Moreover, one or more computer-linked printing
machines capable of printing from rolls of paper to produce covers
of variable length for perfect-bound formatted print pages is
preferably provided.
[0079] Furthermore, one or more machines is preferably provided to
fold a set of pages vertically in the center for perfect binding or
"saddle stitching" (i.e., stapled or sewn along the center fold).
Moreover, one or more machines for perfect binding, including
machines for preparing the edges of a set of pages for gluing, is
preferably provided.
[0080] Presses that achieve a full-bleed effect by printing on
oversized paper and then trimming are much more common than presses
that actually print to the edge of a paper. Accordingly, one or
more machines is provided for cutting off the edges of one or more
pages to create full-bleed printing, as well as to square up the
edges of pages after folding. Some of these machines are commonly
known in the art as "trimmers" or "trimming machines."
[0081] The machines can be adapted to be used with a variety of
binding systems meant to be used for low-volume, manual or
semi-manual binding, such as spiral binding systems, hot glue
binding systems, etc. In some of these systems, the pages are
printed double-sided, but on single- rather than double-size sheets
of paper, and are not folded before binding.
[0082] Software is preferably provided that lays out content and
drives printing devices to print formatted print pages, including,
for example, to print the spine, the inside and outside front and
back covers of perfect-bound formatted print pages on a variable
length sheet of paper. Software is also preferably provided to
print an individual mailing or shipping label using information
from the order transmitted (with or without preprinted postage,
such as software provided by the USPS, or independent software
companies).
[0083] Furthermore, software is preferably provided for printing
different portions of formatted print pages (such as the cover,
particular pages, and the mailing label) by different printing
devices. Such software can comprise facilities common to the
operating system of the computer on which the software is being
run, such as MICROSOFT WINDOWS.
[0084] Other functionality provided by the present invention
includes recording, managing, and reporting orders, either
individually or in the aggregate, for financial and management
purposes.
[0085] Information that will not change from order to order, such
as a layout of formatted print pages and their imposition for
correct printing, is preferably saved in electronic form. Layout
information and corresponding control information is stored so that
the printed formatted print pages of the same or similar content
can be conveniently regenerated the next time content is ordered,
as well as when future issues of the formatted print pages are
ordered.
[0086] An operator of the present invention who contributes to the
production of formatted print pages preferably manipulates the
finished pages in imposition software, such as PREPS, to arrange
the pages in a correct order, for example, for double-sided,
double-paged printing substantially automatically. The operator
then provides instructions for the finished product for output. As
noted above, a variety of printing devices may be provided.
[0087] At any convenient time during the process, the operator of
the present invention produces and/or prints a mailing or shipping
label, for example, if mailing or shipping information is not
printed directly on the formatted print pages (i.e., first or last
page or cover of the finished product). For example, the operator
takes the printed sheets and, using the folding machine, produces
one or more signatures of folded page. If the formatted print pages
are being saddle stitched, the operator preferably uses the
appropriate machine to saddle stitch the signature. If the
formatted print pages are to be perfect bound, the operator may
finish production by using a perfect binding machine. As noted
above, in some perfect binding systems, the pages are printed
double-sided, but on single- rather than double-size sheets of
paper, and also are not folded before binding. The mailing label
can then be easily applied on or near the formatted print
pages.
[0088] Frequently, the formatted print pages are packaged with
other items, for example, separate advertising material. The
mailing label, if separately produced, may be added to the outside
cover of the formatted print pages at this time, or may be added to
an envelope into which the formatted print pages are placed. Other
manipulating steps, such as closing the individual sheets with an
adhesive tab, are known to those familiar the printing industries.
In accordance with the present invention, the operator may omit or
add certain steps, depending upon the context of the order. For
example, subsequent orders for formatted print pages comprising the
same or related content of a previous order may require the
operator to retrieve a stored layout and style. Alternatively, the
receipt of an order for a previously ordered similar or same
formatted print pages is automatically recognized and that version
is substantially automatically retrieved.
[0089] Although the foregoing steps are described in a particular
and sequential order, several of the steps could be combined and
performed by a single automated machine, such as folding,
saddle-stitching, and perfect binding and in another order. Other
improvements and variations are known to those familiar with
printing industries.
[0090] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
production web site 13 provides access to the features and
functionality described herein. Below is a description of features
preferably provided by the production web site 13.
[0091] Unrestricted access to public content is preferably provided
by the production web site 13. This includes one or more sections
that explain the business for prospective customers. Sections are
also preferably provided for prospective purchasers of formatted
print pages, and preferably provide examples of content, layouts
and styles that are available. The sections are optionally
organized by category of content and preferably incorporate links
to respective customer web sites 15.
[0092] Furthermore, a mechanism for browsing content, or designated
portions of content, according to the preferences of each customer
is also preferably provided. Also, a mechanism for ordering one or
more copies of formatted print pages comprising selected content is
provided. A mechanism is also preferably provided for subscribing
for regular receipt of formatted print pages. Another mechanism is
preferably provided for purchasers or subscribers to provide
payment information, such as debit credit card information,
electronic payment information, and other payment mechanisms as are
standard and customary.
[0093] As noted above, production web site 13 also preferably
provides private content that is available only to authorized
visitors, for example, those who supply an appropriate user ID and
password in order to gain access. Restricted content provided on
production web site 13 preferably includes the following
features:
[0094] display of sample formatted print pages, including example
editions, formats and layouts for selection, along with pricing
information (including both actual pricing and suggested retail
pricing);
[0095] a mechanism for the proprietor of customer web site 15 to
indicate which editions, formats, and layouts the proprietor of
customer web site 15 wishes to make available to the public;
[0096] display of proposed layouts of a particular issue for
approval by the proprietor of the customer web site 15;
[0097] a mechanism for the proprietor of the customer web site 15
to indicate approval or to communicate requested changes to a
proposed layout of formatted print pages;
[0098] a mechanism for the proprietor of customer web site 15 to
make changes to the proposed layout; and
[0099] a mechanism for the proprietor of customer web site 15 to
input, edit, or modify copyright, address, and other information to
be included in the formatted print pages.
[0100] Preferably, production web site 13 also includes a mechanism
for the proprietor of customer web site 15 to indicate the portions
of formatted print pages to be displayed as a sample for
prospective proprietors of other customer web sites 15, either by
selecting or excluding portions explicitly, indicating a number or
proportion of pages, or the like.
[0101] Additional features of the production web site 13 providing
private content include:
[0102] a mechanism for downloading and installing the add-in
software to the customer web site 15;
[0103] display of financial, control, and management information,
such as providing the number of visitor 20 orders by issue and
edition; and
[0104] a mechanism for the proprietor customer web site 15 to
remove availability of past issues or editions or to designate
time-based rules for doing so.
[0105] When a visitor terminal 20 of the customer web site 15
identifies content that is the same or similar to that provided on
the web site 15, the visitor terminal 20, via the add-in software,
orders formatted print pages. The present invention preferably
provides one or more mechanisms for the visitor terminal 20 to
place an order. The mechanism(s) preferably comprise the
following:
[0106] a display for the visitor 20 to enter all information needed
to process the order, including a mechanism enabling visitors 20 to
provide payment information, such as debit credit card information,
electronic payment information and other payment mechanisms as
standard and customary;
[0107] a mechanism for the visitor 20 to subscribe to receive
formatted print pages regularly (e.g., a subscription);
[0108] a mechanism for the visitor 20 to preview other available
formatted print pages, optionally restricted to those in a similar
category of interest;
[0109] links to the customer web site 15 from which content in
formatted print pages originates; and
[0110] a mechanism for tracking the customer web site 15 from which
a visitor 20 navigated to the production web site 15, in part for
purposes of compensating the customer web site 15 for purchase of
formatted print pages from other customer web sites 15.
[0111] The software operating at the production web site 13
preferably performs the above-described actions substantially
automatically, i.e., with or without the need for user control or
intervention. However, an operator can preferably override, adjust,
or cancel the automatic processing of software, for all or some
selected images, sections, or pages. Also, software operating on
the production web site 13 preferably includes the capability to
provide tracking information for the demand for particular content,
editions, and issues, and also to predict future demand. This
information is preferably used to prioritize work to be performed
by the operator before an order is actually received. For example,
an operator can produce finished copies of formatted print pages,
including everything up to addressee information, in advance of any
order.
[0112] The display screen in which a purchaser or subscriber enters
information for placing an order may be displayed via the
production web site 13 or the customer web site 15. If displayed
via the production web site 13, the display screen can appear as
part of the customer web site 15.
[0113] As noted above, since high resolution versions of images are
to be included for formatted print pages, system 10 preferably
provides facilities for downloading high resolution images from the
customer information processor 14 to the production information
processor 12. The high resolution images substitute the lower
resolution versions that are actually displayed on the customer web
site 15.
[0114] The images and other material, whether higher resolution or
not, can be obtained with the cooperation of the proprietor of the
customer web site 15 for the purposes of creating the formatted
print pages. This cooperation can be in the form of providing
access to the customer web site 15 for purposes of downloading the
images, providing access to locations where the images are stored,
and the like. Once this cooperation is provided, the capturing of
the images and other material can be substantially automatic, for
example, on a continuing basis, or can be performed manually by an
operator.
[0115] A visitor terminal 20 of customer web site 15 can subscribe
to access restricted portions of the web site. Thereafter, software
operating at the production web site 13 preferably reminds the
operator thereof to produce the appropriate products for the
appropriate subscriber. A visitor terminal 20 can also subscribe to
changes to a web site or selected portions thereof. Software at the
customer web site 15 or at the production web site 13 can monitor
changes to the customer web site 15 automatically and provide
formatted print pages comprising content directed to the changed
content. Moreover, a visitor terminal 20 is able, via customer web
site 15 or production web site 13, to order formatted print pages
of related content that is provided on other customer web sites 15,
or third-party web sites.
[0116] The above-described hardware and software provide a system
which advantageously allows users to receive formatted print pages
provided over the Internet. The specific functionality provided by
system 10, and in particular with production information processor
12 and customer information processor 14, is illustrated in the
following example including the interaction between the devices
with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 5.
[0117] FIG. 5 demonstrates a flow chart illustrating the steps that
occur at the client web site 15 when a visitor terminal 20 requests
content in printed form. The example flow charts shown in FIGS. 5-7
represent a preferred sequence of events, it being understood that
steps may be added, removed or changed without departing from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0118] In step S100, a visitor terminal 20 identifies content in or
related to the client web site 15 that the visitor wants. In step
S102, the visitor formulates a request for formatted print pages
via the add-in software 46. In step S104, a determination is made
whether all information required for the request to be processed is
collected. Information that can be processed in a request
represents, for example, the originating customer web site 15, the
content in or related to the customer web site 15, the particular
edition, if any, that the visitor terminal 20 wants, and name,
mailing address, billing information, professional information and
any other information representing visitor terminal 20.
[0119] If the determination made in step S104 reveals that the
request lacks certain information, then the process loops back to
step S102 and the visitor terminal 20 modifies the request. When
the request is sufficient for processing, the process continues to
step S106, and the details of the request are transmitted to the
production information processor 12. Preferably, in step S108, the
production information processor 12 transmits a confirmation to the
customer web site 15 that the request 48 has been received. The
confirmation is preferably also provided to the visitor terminal 20
(step S110). In step S112, an estimate is preferably provided for
the costs associated with fulfilling the order in the request 48.
The estimate is preferably transmitted to the customer information
processor 14, and is optionally used to generate a total cost of
fulfilling a plurality of requests 48.
[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the production information
processor 12 provides a cost for a particular edition of a
formatted print pages which is paid by the proprietor of the
customer information processor 14. The customer information
processor charges the visitor terminal 20 that cost plus an
additional fee. In this way, customer information processor can
profit using the present invention, as can the production
information processor. Preferably, the final amount due from the
visitor terminal 20 for formatted print pages includes the cost
charged by the production information processor, plus shipping and
handling costs, plus an additional fee set by the customer
information processor. Of course, one skilled in the art will
recognize that variations on this theme are possible. For example,
the production information processor 12 can set the final cost of
delivering formatted print pages to the visitor terminal 20,
including costs associated with production of formatted print
pages, shipping and handling, and any other fees deemed appropriate
by the production information processor 12, and the customer
information processor 14 receives a flat rate (or, alternatively, a
relative commission) for each order for formatted print pages.
Other payment and/or e-commerce schemes can be adopted easily in
accordance with the present invention.
[0121] Further, although the practice described above for step S112
comprises charging a visitor 20 for production and delivery of
formatted print pages, occasionally the customer web site 15 will
charge little or nothing for formatted print pages. Materials such
as white papers, technical manuals, annual reports, marketing
literature, advertising materials and other content that,
typically, have few formatting processes performed thereon. A
customer web site 15 may elect to provide formatted print pages
comprising such content for free, or in unlimited quantity for a
subscription fee, as a service to its visitor terminals 20.
Preferably, the rates charged by production information processor
12 to the customer information processor are unaffected by the
decision of a proprietor of a customer web site 15 to provide
formatted print pages for free.
[0122] In order to facilitate e-commerce functionality, the present
invention provides the total cost for fulfilling request 48, and
also accepts payment from visitor terminal 20 therefor. The visitor
terminal 20 preferably provides payment for the production of the
printed output, for example, by submitting a credit card number or
other form of payment. After payment is received, an identifier
such as a confirmation number is preferably provided to the visitor
terminal 20 to represent the promise of fulfillment (step S114).
Thereafter, in step S116, the process for requesting formatted
print pages ends.
[0123] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart that identifies an example series
of steps associated with processing a single transaction in
accordance with the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG.
6 is meant to illustrate one of several possible sequences of
events, and is not intended to limit the present invention in any
way.
[0124] In step S200, a visitor terminal 20 of customer web site 15
selects a control, for example, a button labeled "REQUEST" and
provided by the add-in software to initiate a request for formatted
print pages. A determination is preferably made whether the visitor
terminal 20 has previously requested formatted print pages (step
S202). If not, a registration process or other information
gathering mechanism is invoked to "register" the user and establish
terms in which formatted print pages are to be provided (step
S204). For example, a visitor terminal 20 requests formatted print
pages of content related to client web site 15 and enters into a
subscription agreement with the proprietor of the production
information processor 12 and/or the customer information processor
14 to receive formatted print pages in regular intervals, such as
once weekly, monthly and the like. By offering subscriptions,
visitor 20 payment can be made substantially automatically, and
shipping and other information directed to visitor 20 can be
retrieved easily. Preferably, payment is due prior to fulfilling a
request for formatted print pages.
[0125] Continuing with the flow chart shown in FIG. 6, in step S206
the production information processor 12 determines whether the
request 48 received from the customer information processor 14 is
directed to a subscription or to an individual order. In the event
that the request is directed to an individual order for formatted
print pages, a payment process is completed prior to fulfilling the
request (step S208).
[0126] After payment is received for an individual order, or the
determination in step S206 indicates the request is part of a
subscription, the process continues to step S210 and a
determination is made whether to apply a previously used layout. If
the production information processor 12 determines that no existing
layout should be applied, then a "default" layout is preferably
chosen from one or more layouts (step 212). Selecting which one of
a plurality of default layouts is preferably based on control
information received from the visitor terminal 20. Alternatively,
the production information processor 12 analyzes the content to be
included in formatted print pages in order to choose a layout.
After the production information processor 12 selects a layout for
the desired content, the layout is preferably applied (step
S214).
[0127] Preferably, a database is used by the production information
processor 12 to review, select and apply layouts, styles, and other
related output directives. For example, front and back matter are
preferably added to the formatted print pages. After a layout is
applied, an electronic representation (i.e., a preview) of the
formatted print pages is preferably provided for the visitor
terminal 20 for review and approval (step S216). The electronic
representation may be provided to the visitor terminal 20 while the
visitor terminal 20 maintains an active session with the customer
web site 15. Alternatively, the electronic representation may be
e-mailed to the visitor terminal 20, or provided on the production
web site 13. One skilled in the art will recognize that many other
ways to provide previews of formatted print pages are known.
[0128] After the production information processor 12 provides the
electronic representation of the formatted print pages, the visitor
terminal 20 reviews the representation for approval. In step S218,
the production information processor determines whether the visitor
terminal 20 has approved the electronic representation. In the
event that the visitor terminal 20 has not approved the electronic
representation, the information processor 12 may modify the current
layout, for example, by accepting selections and recommendations
from the visitor terminal 20, or may select a different layout
(step S220). Thereafter, the process loops back to step S214 and
the revised or replaced layout is applied.
[0129] In the event that the production information processor 12
determines in step S218 that the visitor terminal 20 approves the
electronic representation of the formatted print pages, then, in
step S222, the production information processor preferably
specifies the imposition of the formatted print pages, for example,
including the serial order of pages, indices, and other content
that is to be printed.
[0130] Thereafter, the production information processor 12
preferably stores specifications directed to the formatted print
pages in a database for future access and use (step S224). At step
S226, the process ends.
[0131] FIG. 7 is a flow chart identifying steps associated with
fulfilling requests for formatted print pages after a request is
received. In one embodiment, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7
effectively begins from step S224 shown in FIG. 6. In step S300,
the production information processor 12 preferably transmits layout
specifications and content to a fulfillment center terminal 22.
Thereafter, a representative of the fulfillment center uses at
least some of the hardware and software devices described above and
shown in FIG. 2 to produce the formatted print pages (step S302).
Included with layout specifications is information used by the
operator of the fulfillment center terminal 22, for example,
mailing information, shipping information and the like for
fulfilling request 48.
[0132] The operator of the fulfillment center terminal 22, in step
S304 preferably provides information that does not change in future
requests for formatted print pages, such as a layout of individual
pages, imposition for correct printing, identifying information and
the like. Formatted print pages can be conveniently regenerated in
future, similar requests, or when future issues of the same
formatted print pages are requested. In step S306, the production
information processor 12 preferably stores the information received
from the fulfillment center terminal 20 in step S304 in a
database.
[0133] At this point in the process, a request for formatted print
pages has been received and processed, and the formatted print
pages are ready to be delivered to the requesting visitor terminal
20. Accordingly, in step S308, a notification of the fulfillment of
the request 48 is preferably transmitted by the production
information processor 12 to the customer information processor 14
and/or to the visitor terminal 20. A determination is preferably
made by the production information processor 12 whether the request
48 is part of a subscription agreement or not (step S310). If so,
then, in step S312, subscription details directed to the order are
preferably stored in a database. Moreover, the visitor's 20 prepaid
account for the subscription is preferably debited in accordance
with the costs associated with production and delivery of the
formatted print pages. If the production information processor 12
determines, in step S310, the order is not part of a subscription,
then an offer is preferably provided to the visitor terminal 20 to
enter into a subscription agreement for future requests of
formatted print pages (step S313).
[0134] The formatted print pages are then delivered in accordance
with instructions received with the request for formatted print
pages (step S314). At step S316, the process ends.
[0135] The above-identified system and method steps can be easily
adapted for use with product catalogs displayed on web sites. The
viewer can request the entire catalog, portions resulting from
searching or selection criteria, or individual items. A web site
may choose to offer such printed catalogs for free or for nominal
cost.
[0136] The system can be used to order and produce a variety of
materials, including: company and organization annual reports and
other periodic or special statements; reprints of single articles
in magazines; back issues of magazines no longer available from
their original printing runs; and back issues of magazines
unavailable in digital or computer form. For example, scanned
images of one or more pages of a previously printed copy of a
magazine is used by the production in formation processor 12 to
provide formatted print pages. The present invention can be used
for other materials, including brochures or booklets designed for
insertion into plastic cases (commonly known as "jewel cases") that
are commonly used to store CDs, CDRs, DVDs, etc. The present
invention is also applicable for other media storage devices, such
as a booklet that is conveniently provided with an appropriately
sized adhesive label to be added to a home-produced storage device.
Moreover, customer web sites 15 can use the present invention to
provide a finished looking product nearly identical to a fully
produced retail product. Other printed materials that can be
provided by the present invention include photographic and artistic
image stock houses; portfolios of individual artists or
photographers or groups of artists or photographers seeking
professional work; portfolios of individual models or groups of
models seeking professional work, for example, produced by the
individual models, the groups of models, their agents, or companies
representing them.
[0137] In another embodiment, the system is adapted to produce
formatted print pages suitable for placement in loose-leaf or
similar binders. In this case, formatted print pages are printed on
computer printers that produce single-size rather than double-size
pages, and layout software can be used to ensure that the margins
are sufficiently wide to avoid the holes impinging on the formatted
print pages. This is useful for content for formatted print pages
that changes and is updated frequently, such as for technical
manuals.
[0138] In order to facilitate rapid production of formatted print
pages, different signatures can be provided by different printing
devices, and eventually combined when the finished product of
formatted print pages is perfect bound. Alternatively, the
formatted print pages can be bound conventionally, rather than
perfect bound. Further, the output of formatted print pages can be
bound and produced as a hardcover book. The facilities described
herein as production-related can also be dedicated to the
production of formatted print pages for content identified in a
single web site or group of web sites. Also, the customer web site
15 can order one or more copies of formatted print pages for its
own purposes, including direct resale.
[0139] Optionally, all or some of the production of the formatted
print pages can take place at a site open to the public, such as a
commercial retail copying establishment. In such case, the customer
can obtain the formatted print pages at the local retail outlet,
rather than receiving the formatted print pages in the mail or
other delivery method. Moreover, formatted print pages may comprise
selections ("highlights") from several formatted print pages of
content from a single web site, or from several different web
sites.
[0140] Additional functionality provided by system 10 is now
further described by way of an example.
[0141] An Internet content provider that provides news and
entertainment information on a web site desires to offer formatted
print pages comprising the various on-line content. Accordingly,
visitor terminal 20 (representing the content provider) visits a
production web site 13. The information that is available to the
operator of the visitor terminal 20 is informational in nature, and
is suitable only for providing basic information directed to the
services provided by the production information processor 12.
[0142] Accordingly, the operator of visitor terminal 20 makes a
selection in the production web site 13 to make contact with the
proprietor of the production web site 13. The proprietor of the
production web site 13 receives the request for contact, and
transmits an e-mail to the proprietor of the news and entertainment
web site including a user name and password for accessing
restricted portions of the production web site 13. Thereafter, the
proprietor of the Internet news and entertainment web site uses the
user name and password to access portions of the production web
site 13 to review the many features provided thereby.
[0143] After reviewing the production web site 13 and engaging in
further communications with the proprietor thereof, the proprietor
of the news and entertainment Internet web site elects to enter
into an agreement with the proprietor of the production web site 13
and to receive the add-in software and implement the many features
described herein. Thereafter, the proprietor of the Internet news
and entertainment web site installs the add-in software into the
web site, and provides several notifications in the web site that
formatted print pages of the web site is available to viewers. The
proprietor of the news and entertainment Internet web site
effectively becomes a proprietor of a customer web site 15.
[0144] Continuing with the present example, a visitor terminal 20
arrives at the Internet news and entertainment web site and desires
to have several articles and corresponding photographs printed in a
magazine-like format (i.e., as formatted print pages). Using the
add-in software, the visitor terminal 20 clicks on appropriate
portions of the customer web site 15 and identifies specific
content that is desired for formatted print pages. The visitor
terminal 20 is prompted to submit personal information, including
name, shipping address, age and other demographic information.
Further, the visitor terminal 20 is prompted to provide credit card
or other information in order to pay for the order.
[0145] During the payment step, the visitor terminal 20 is
preferably prompted to submit whether he would like a subscription
to the on-line news and entertainment content to be regularly
provided to him as formatted print pages. The visitor, knowing that
he enjoys such content, thus submits that he would like a
subscription to the content to be received monthly for one year.
The add-in software preferably transmits the layout and other
information directed to the formatted print pages, the on-line
content and subscription to the production information processor
12, and receives back an estimate for the costs associated with
fulfilling a request for formatted print pages. The estimate is
preferably used to calculate a slightly higher fee by the customer
information processor 14, and the final price is provided to the
visitor terminal 20, for credit card or other payment information
for the subscription.
[0146] After the visitor terminal 20 pays for the subscription, the
production information processor 12 receives request 48 that
includes a pointer to the content and the control information.
After determining that the payment processing is complete, the
production information processor 12 determines that this is a first
order for this visitor terminal 20, and proceeds to retrieve the
content from the customer web site 15. Moreover, the production
information processor 12 applies layout and style as directed by
the control information.
[0147] Additional information, such as front and back matter,
including table of contents, index and appendix are also added to
the layout for the formatted print pages by the production
information processor 12. Thereafter, the production information
processor 12 transmits an electronic representation of the
formatted print pages to the customer information processor 14. The
customer information processor 14 preferably provides the
electronic representation of the formatted print pages to the
visitor terminal 20 via the customer web site 15, or some other way
(described above).
[0148] After reviewing the electronic representation, the visitor
terminal 20 provides his approval, for example, by clicking a
button that says "I approve." Thereafter, the production
information processor 12 preferably specifies the imposition,
including the serial order of pages and other portions in the
formatted print pages. The specifications directed to the formatted
print pages are preferably stored in a database for future use.
[0149] The production information processor 12 transmits the
specifications directed to the formatted print pages to a
fulfillment facility terminal 22 where the specifications are
received and printing processes commence. In addition to printing
the content, and front and back matter, the output is printed to
the edge of the printed page, such that "full-bleed" printing is
achieved without the need for trimming. Additionally, during the
output process, one of a plurality of printers supplied with pages
of different quality, size and thickness are used for printing the
different parts of the formatted print pages, such as the cover.
Additionally, a paper folder is used to prepare each sheet for
binding, and one or more machines is used to "saddle stitch" the
pages along the centerfold.
[0150] After production of the formatted print pages is complete, a
notification is transmitted from the fulfillment facility terminal
22 to the customer information processor 14. The customer
information processor 14 transmits an email or other notification
to the visitor terminal 20 that the formatted print pages have been
prepared, and are being shipped. Since the visitor terminal 20
indicated that he would like a subscription to this content, the
production information processor 12 preferably stores information
in a database for reproducing the formatted print pages, with
updated content provided on the customer web site 15. Thereafter,
the visitor terminal 20 receives the formatted print pages.
[0151] In one embodiment, the customer web 15 site electronically
provides electronic information regarding an order for formatted
print pages comprising content provided thereon via the production
information processor 12. For example, the visitor terminal 22 is
redirected to the production information processor 12 for
processing an order for formatted print pages. The electronic
information can be transmitted from the production information
processor 12 to the fulfillment facility terminal 22.
[0152] In an alternative embodiment, the customer information
processor 13 provides much of the functionality described
independently of the production information processor 12. For
example, the customer information processor 13 provides at least
partial electronic information regarding formatted print pages that
comprise at least content on the customer web site 15. For example,
the customer information processor 15 uses known software tools
(e.g., QUARK and ADOBE PAGEMAKER) to contribute to the definition
of formatted print pages. Alternatively, the production information
processor 12 provides software tools for providing information
regarding formatted print pages. The information can be transmitted
from the customer information processor to the fulfillment facility
terminal 22 (or, indirectly via the production information
processor 12) for use in production of formatted print pages.
[0153] Furthermore, the electronic version of the invariant portion
of the order for formatted print pages can be stored either by the
customer information processor 14 or by the production information
processor 12. If electronic information regarding an order for
formatted print pages is transmitted directly from the customer web
site 15 to the fulfillment facility terminal 22, some information
regarding the order is transmitted to the production information
processor 12, for example, from the customer web site 15 or from
the fulfillment facility terminal 22. In this way, the production
information processor 12 is provided a record of the order for
formatted print pages, for example for accounting purposes.
[0154] Thus, the present invention provides a new way to provide
formatted print pages comprising content from one or more Internet
web sites. Although the invention has been described in terms of
providing monographs, serial publications and magazines, the
invention is not so limited. For example, the fulfillment facility
terminal 22 can provide various sized posters of Internet web site
content that are significantly larger than can be produced, for
example, on a home computer printer. Moreover, a standard
poster-sized layout template can be used to produce the poster, Use
of a template can facilitate providing additional information in
the poster, such as a photographer, artist, copyright notice, etc.
Since home computer printers are unable to print posters (e.g.,
full-bleed images on oversized paper) the present invention
provides a new way to receive custom posters. Further, the typical
home computer system is not equipped with a printer with a roll-fed
supply of paper, so pages of great size or variable length are
difficult, if not impossible, to produce thereby.
[0155] Also, some posters are provide with inspirational or other
text, such as poetry. Such text can also be provided with a poster.
For example, system 10 allows visitors to provide combinations of
image(s) and text (including text provided by the visitor 20) and a
poster comprising the image(s) and text are combined in the
finished poster. Preferably, the fulfillment facility terminal 22
has access to containers suitable for mailing or shipping posters
without damaging or folding the posters.
[0156] Another form of output provided by the present invention is
a calendar, for example a wall or desk calendar. More particularly,
the present invention can produce calendars that are too big to
print on the typical home computer printer. Preferably, the wall
and/or desk calendars are mounted on cardboard or other stiffening
backing, have clear protective covers, punched for hanging (wall
calendar) or have an easel stand for standing or be spiral bound
(desk calendar). In accordance with the present invention, the
calendar does not exist until the visitor terminal 20, using the
features of system 10 described above, selects images to be
included on one or more pages of the calendar, and the image(s) are
properly sized to fit. The visitor terminal 20 may receive prompts
that suggest one or more images for a calendar, or the visitor
terminal 20 may select images from one or more web sites.
[0157] Other uses and products provided by the present invention
will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0158] Although the present invention has been described in
relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations
and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those
skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present
invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.
* * * * *